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Google Chromium Out-of-Bounds Memory Access Vulnerability

Chromium

CVE-2025-14174 Out-of-Bounds Memory Access Remote Code Execution

Overview

CVE-2025-14174 is a high-severity out-of-bounds memory access vulnerability in the ANGLE (Almost Native Graphics Layer Engine) component of Chromium-based browsers. A remote attacker can trigger this flaw by delivering a crafted HTML page that causes memory to be read or written outside its intended bounds. Because ANGLE is a core graphics translation layer used for rendering web content, this vulnerability affects various browsers that rely on Chromium's codebase, including Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Opera, and Brave. The flaw has been actively exploited in the wild and added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

Technical Specifications

Attribute Details
CVE ID CVE-2025-14174
Vulnerability Type Out-of-bounds Memory Access (CWE-119)
Attack Vector Network (remote via malicious web content)
Authentication None required
Complexity Low
User Interaction Required (visiting malicious webpage)
Affected Component ANGLE (Almost Native Graphics Layer Engine)
Exploitation Status Actively exploited in the wild

Affected Products

  • Google Chrome versions prior to 143.0.7499.110 (macOS and similar thresholds on other platforms)
  • Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based versions requiring December 2025 patches)
  • Opera (Chromium-based versions)
  • Brave (Chromium-based versions)
  • Other Chromium-based browsers using vulnerable ANGLE component
  • Cross-Platform Impact: Affects desktop and mobile devices via Chromium engines

Vulnerability Details

ANGLE Component

ANGLE (Almost Native Graphics Layer Engine) is a graphics abstraction layer that translates OpenGL ES API calls to DirectX, OpenGL, or Vulkan. It is a critical component for hardware-accelerated graphics rendering in Chromium-based browsers.

Out-of-Bounds Memory Access

The vulnerability allows memory to be accessed (read or written) outside the intended buffer boundaries. This type of memory corruption can lead to: - Application crashes and denial of service - Data corruption and information disclosure - Arbitrary code execution within the browser process - Potential sandbox escape when chained with other vulnerabilities

Attack Scenario

  1. Malicious Content Creation: Attacker hosts or injects a malicious web page containing specially crafted HTML content designed to trigger the ANGLE vulnerability
  2. Victim Interaction: A victim with a vulnerable Chromium-based browser (Chrome, Edge, Opera, etc.) navigates to or is tricked into opening the malicious page via phishing, malicious ads, or drive-by browsing
  3. Graphics Processing: The browser processes the malicious content using the ANGLE graphics component for rendering
  4. Memory Corruption: The crafted content triggers out-of-bounds memory access, leading to memory corruption in the browser process
  5. Exploitation: Depending on exploitation quality and environment, this results in application crashes, data leakage, or remote code execution within the browser context

Potential Access Points

  • Drive-by download attacks via compromised websites
  • Malicious advertising (malvertising) networks
  • Phishing emails with links to weaponized pages
  • Social engineering to trick users into visiting malicious sites
  • Compromised legitimate websites serving exploit code

Impact Assessment

  • Memory corruption within browser process
  • Potential modification of browser state and session data
  • Alteration of rendered web content
  • Compromise of browser sandbox integrity
  • Access to browsing data and history
  • Exposure of credentials stored in the browser
  • Leakage of session tokens and cookies
  • Potential access to saved passwords and autofill data
  • Cross-site data exposure
  • Browser crashes and denial of service
  • Tab or process termination
  • Loss of unsaved browsing session data
  • Disruption of web-based workflows
  • User Compromise: Attackers could execute malicious code on employee workstations
  • Data Exposure: Corporate credentials and sensitive browsing data at risk
  • Pivot Point: Compromised browsers can enable further malware deployment or internal network attacks
  • Cross-Platform Reach: Affects desktops and mobile devices across organizations
  • Supply Chain Risk: Impacts all organizations using Chromium-based browsers

Mitigation Strategies

🔄 Immediate Actions

  • Update Google Chrome to version 143.0.7499.110 or later immediately
  • Apply patches to all Chromium-based browsers (Microsoft Edge, Opera, Brave, etc.) as vendors release them
  • Enable automatic updates for all browsers in the organization
  • Verify current browser versions across all endpoints

🔍 Endpoint Protection & Monitoring

  • Use endpoint security tools to monitor abnormal browser behavior
  • Deploy EDR solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts
  • Monitor for suspicious memory access patterns
  • Enable browser crash reporting and analysis
  • Review security logs for evidence of exploitation

📊 User Education

  • Warn users to avoid visiting untrusted URLs or clicking suspicious links
  • Train employees on recognizing phishing attempts
  • Educate on risks of malicious advertisements
  • Promote use of bookmark navigation over search results for sensitive sites
  • Implement security awareness programs

🔒 Defense-in-Depth

  • Implement web filtering and DNS security
  • Use application whitelisting where feasible
  • Enable browser sandbox features
  • Deploy network segmentation to limit lateral movement
  • Implement least-privilege access policies

Resources and References

Official Documentation

Active Exploitation Warning

This vulnerability is being actively exploited in the wild. Immediate patching is critical.